Are New Year’s Resolutions Dead? 49% of Brits Aren’t Planning Any Changes for 2026
New research suggests Brits are ditching the classic ‘New Year, new me’ mindset for 2026, with almost half (49%) admitting they aren’t making any lifestyle changes next year.
Confused.com Life Insurance surveyed 2,000 Brits to explore what changes people are considering, the barriers holding them back, and why some people are planning major shifts in the year ahead.
Lifestyle changes Brits are planning in 2026, and why:
From revamping their health and fitness routines to shaking up finances, 1 in 3 (30%) of Brits say that they are planning significant lifestyle changes next year.
Health is top of mind for many, with 36% planning to adopt a new fitness routine, whether that’s hitting the gym more, taking up running, or simply spending more time outdoors. Diet is also on the agenda, with 29% aiming to eat cleaner, and 16% planning a full switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet. These changes come as 22% seek to improve their overall health and wellbeing, while a further 23% plan to focus on their overall lifestyle and quality of life.
Meanwhile, 35% of Brits are planning significant financial change next year, from investing and tackling debt to boosting their savings for the future. Other big life moves include moving house (28%), changing careers (24%), and quitting smoking (13%), showing that 2026 is shaping up to be a year of health, wealth, and lifestyle shake-ups.
What’s holding Brits back from making change?
Despite some Brits considering lifestyle changes, almost half (49%) are not planning any major shifts in the next 12 months.
For some, money is the main barrier, with 17% of Brits who aren’t making changes saying they just can’t afford it, while 28% feel a change isn’t necessary.
Other common barriers include not feeling motivated (10%), not having enough time (8%), and feeling as though changes won’t really have an impact (8%).
Interestingly, over half (56%) of those not planning any changes say they are satisfied with how they live, suggesting that for many, the comfort of the familiar beats change.
What cities are planning the most change?
Some parts of the UK are more eager for change than others. Leading the pack is Liverpool, where 39% of residents say they are planning a significant lifestyle shift, most commonly making financial changes like investing, saving, or tackling debt.
Manchester and Edinburgh follow closely, with 35% of locals planning big moves. Mancunians are focused on adopting a new health or fitness routine, while Edinburgh residents are prioritising financial changes.
Other cities seeing high levels of change include Bristol (33%), Chelmsford (30%), and Cardiff (30%), where residents are planning to either improve their financial situation, start new fitness routines, or move home.
Tom Vaughan, life insurance expert at Confused.com, comments:
“Making changes and planning your lifestyle accordingly can have a positive impact when it comes to applying for life insurance.
“Adopting healthier habits such as regularly exercising, eating a balanced diet, and looking after your finances properly will be beneficial for your wellbeing.
“This can also have a positive impact when applying for life insurance by securing policy terms and premiums that are more cost-effective. People can then have reassurance that when making a drastic change, both themselves and their families are covered with life insurance.”
You can find more information on life insurance policies here: https://www.confused.com/life-insurance